Millwall head coach Alex Neil has urged for talk surrounding Camiel Neghli’s club-record transfer fee to be put to rest, highlighting the complexities of modern football deals and the role of add-ons in inflated figures.
Neghli, 23, joined the Lions from Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam at the end of the recent transfer window, with the club confirming he was their most expensive signing to date. However, Neil has suggested that focusing on this title detracts from the reality of transfer dealings, which often include conditions and bonuses that may never be activated.
‘Not as straightforward as you think’
The Dutch winger made a promising impact when introduced in the closing stages of Millwall’s 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, nearly capping his cameo appearance with a goal. Despite his encouraging display, discussions around his price tag have continued to follow him.
“See the whole club record fee thing? You just need to put that to bed,” Neil told reporters. “Because it is one pence more than the other guy we spent on? And what you find with deals is that they are not as straightforward as you think they are because you have got add-ons and this and that… if he scores an overhead kick in a World Cup final.”
The manager was keen to stress that while significant money was spent on Neghli, the final sum could depend on multiple variables, including performance-based clauses. The record fee tag, in his view, should not place undue pressure on the player.
Neghli’s Journey to Millwall
The Dutch winger signed a three-year contract with Sparta Rotterdam in July 2023, with an option for a fourth year. He made a strong impression in the Eredivisie, scoring a memorable long-range volley against rivals Feyenoord in August 2024.
His performances caught the attention of Millwall, who secured his signature on the final day of the January transfer window for an undisclosed fee. The club announced at the time that the deal marked their biggest transfer outlay, though the final figure remains unclear due to performance-related clauses.
Writer’s View
Neghli’s arrival at Millwall represents an exciting addition to the squad, but the fixation on his transfer fee risks overshadowing his ability. His technical qualities are evident, and if given time to adapt, he could become a key player for the Lions. Neil’s call to move beyond the fee discussion is justified—what truly matters now is Neghli’s impact on the pitch rather than the financial details of his transfer.
